Mackinaw City’s set with deals, festivities

Fall is in the air this weekend in Mackinaw City. The Fall Shopper's fest begins Oct. 11 and runs through Oct. 20. Area businesses will offer sales to shoppers. “It's become a tradition in town. People visit from all around to shop the sales and enjoy the beautiful colors of the area,” said Dawn Edwards, executive director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce. Starting off the festival is the Great Pumpkin Hunt, Oct. 11-13. Participants can pick up a scavenger hunt list at the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, 226 East Central Avenue. Participating businesses will display a Great Pumpkin Hunt sign in their window and have a small numbered pumpkin inside their store. Participants match the number to the store on their list, and if all are correct they will be eligible for a drawing held Oct. 14. The lists need to be dropped off at the chamber of commerce office or at Souvenirs Marugo located next door. Winners of the drawing will receive gift certificates to a variety of local businesses in Mackinaw City. According to Edwards, there will be 38 certificates given away. For those who find the “Great Pumpkin,” a larger pumpkin hidden in one of the stores, there will be special drawing. For those looking for a bit of a scare, Fort Fright will be held Oct. 11 and 12 at Colonial Michilimackinac. Were-wolves, lutins, skeleton Redcoats and Le Dame Blanche, the White Lady, will roam the grounds of the park while visitors walk with a costumed guide. The spooky characters are drawn from the book “Were-wolves and Will-o-the-Wisps: French Tales of Mackinac Retold by Dirk Gringhuis” which is based on folk tales brought to the area by French voyageurs during the fur trade. Warm bread and taffy will also be available, along with treat bags sponsored by PNC Bank. The haunt is suitable for all ages, but those looking for more of a frightening experience can walk through the haunted row house which is more suited for older children and adults. Fort Fright runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Last admission is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased early at the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor's Center or when arriving at the event. Costs are $20 for a family, $7 for adults, and $4 for youth 5-17 years old. Children under 4 years old and Mackinac Associates Friend Level or higher are free.Call (231) 436-4100 for more information.